Kent car mechanics are experiencing a boom in trade as more people hang on to older cars rather than splashing out on a new one.

Staff at the Strood-based chain of autocentres, Mr Clutch, founded by Kent entrepreneur Joseph Yussuf, have seen the average age of cars coming through its doors rise steadily over recent months, to between nine and 10 years old.

A spokesman said: "Where a lot of companies are struggling with the credit crunch, we have noticed the garage industry doesn't seem to be doing too badly at all, in fact we are hitting record numbers of cars serviced.

"We are noticing that people are increasingly hanging on to old cars and keeping them in good condition."

The autocentre recently compiled a list of some favourite "cool cars" dating from 10 years ago. At number one was the BMW Z3, the first roadster to be produced by BMW. Number two was performance car, the Lotus Elise, and Number Three was the VW Beetle.

Retail chain Halfords, which has 16 branches in the county, is reporting strong sales of car parts and has said it expects to make pre-tax profits of around £95 milllion.